When he began his musical career, Ayodeji used the name “Lil Prinz” but changed his stage name to WIZKID at the age of 17 in 2006 when he began to gain stardom and national acclaim.
The debut album was well received by Ayo’s family, friends, other artists and the church. He went back to the studio thereafter to perfect his skills and develop his talent. by 2006 when he took on the stage name WIZKID he was much more matured musically and started working with some of the big names in Nigeria’s musical landscape like Neto C and Ikechukwu.
His music has continued to enjoy sustained radio plays since 2006 while he continued to enjoy collaboration with the existing big names in the industry. WIZKID’s major break in the Nigerian music industry came in 2009 with his collaboration with one of Nigeria’s best rappers MI Abaga on the “Fast Money Fast Cars” track which drew major attention to WIZKID’s sultry voice, engaging stage personae and unique swagger and style.
WIZKID is also a song writer and writes most of his songs. He has also been featured in several TV commercials the most recent was the PEPSI 2011 advert where he featured alongside female super star TIWA SAVAGE. He also featured in the TV commercial “Turn by Turn” by KEL’s .
1n 2009 he signed a multi million naira deal with Nigerian leading R & B artist, producer and manager- the versatile Banky W who owns the Empire mates Entertainment 9EME) recording label. WIZKID has continued to release hit songs with EME records since 2009 and he presently enjoys stardom all over Africa and amongst Africans all over the diaspora. He has performed internationally with renowned artists like Chris Brown, Sunny Ade, Akon, Kardinal official, Young Jeezy etc.
The release of his hit singles,” Do’t Dull”, “Holla at your boy” and “Tease me” in 2010 confirmed WIZKID as a Nigerian musical star. After the release of his debut album “Super Star” in June 2011 WIZKID performed sold out concerts in Nigeria, the United States and in the United Kingdom.
In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi, allegedly worth $350,000 U.S dollars. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.On May 28, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one year deal with MTN Nigeria. Moreover, the news source reported that Wizzy’s Pepsi contract was renewed for another two years.On October 23, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the “Guinness World of More” concert. The concert was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 3, 2013.
His work and contributions to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Awards, a MOBO Awards from two nominations, a Channel O Music Video Awards from six nominations, three Nigeria Entertainment Awards from eleven nominations, a Ghana Music Awards from two nominations, two Dynamix All Youth Awards from three nominations, two City People Entertainment Awards from 4 nominations, and a Future Awards, among others. In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as four times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.
Wizkid’s most notable songs include “Holla at Your Boy”, “Don’t Dull”, “Love My Baby”, “Azonto”, “Pakurumo”, “Tease Me/Bad Guys”, “Dance For Me” with EME, and “Jaiye Jaiye”, “Caro” among others.
His discography resume includes collaboration with international and domestic acts such as Bracket,Angel[, Lynxxx, Iyanya, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, R2Bees, Wale, Young Jeezy, Akon, and Femi Kuti,] among others. Wizkid’s debut album Superstar was released in 2011, He is currently working on Chosen, his second studio album scheduled to be release in 2014
